Power to go underground in Gero CBD

The removal of timber power poles on Chapman Road and Durlacher Street in the Geraldton CBD has been approved for funding in round five of the State Underground Power Program’s Localised Enhancement Project.

In a partnership between the State Government, Western Power and local governments, the program has made a grant contribution of $500,000, which the City of Greater Geraldton has matched in a 2016-17 budget allocation.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the provision of underground power would improve road safety while providing a more reliable power supply and enhanced street-scapes.

“The power poles on Durlacher Street are an ongoing safety concern as a number of vehicles have collided with the poles in the past,” he said.

“Underground power also reduces the risk of blackouts during inclement weather due to downed power lines.”

The project has now entered the detailed proposal stage, which will confirm the final project boundary and total project cost.

Underground power in the CBD was recommended in the City’s Integrated Transport Strategy, City Centre Vibrancy Plan and in the recently released draft Growth Plan.

Mayor Van Styn said once the power poles were removed, the City could take the first step in the beautification of these thoroughfares, which would start with the renewal of the footpath on Durlacher Street, between Chapman Road and Sanford Street.

He also said the replacement of the old concrete block footpath with a continuously poured reinforced concrete footpath would improve pedestrian and cyclist safety in the location.